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Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

A chunky bolognese sauce in the slow cooker

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This well-seasoned meaty Bolognese sauce cooks to perfection in the slow cooker. Serve the classic sauce with broad, flat pasta or spaghetti.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped or shredded
  • 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3/4 cup dry red wine
  • 1 can ( 28 ounces ) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 small bay leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil
  • 2/3 cup cream, heavy or light
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, Dutch oven, or stovetop safe slow cooker insert, heat the butter and olive oil. Add the ground beef, pork, and pancetta or bacon, along with the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef and pork are no longer pink. Stir in the garlic and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes longer. Stir in the tomato paste and red wine. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.
  2. To the sauce mixture add the, crushed and diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and basil. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Transfer the sauce to the slow cooker; cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours.
  4. Add the cream Parmesan cheese and cook for 30 to 45 minutes.